IT IS just over three months until the annual Windy 500 charity car rally leaves Weymouth.

There are still places available for this year’s fundraising event which will involve a 16-day mystery tour of Europe – covering thousands of miles in a banger.

Organiser Steve Blackmore is urging those with a sense of adventure to take part, after almost £17,000 was raised for Julia’s House in 2013.

Participants won’t know where in Europe they will be heading and every day they will be informed of the following day’s destination.

The charity event will set off from Weymouth on Friday, June 13.

Drivers will experience Euro-pean mountain ranges, stunning coastlines, fascinating cities and famous roads.

Mr Blackmore, a father-of-three, said: “On Friday, June 13, a number of teams will gather in Weymouth to set off on the next exciting Windy 500 International Driving Experience.

“The following 16 days will take them through various European countries on an action-packed trip before returning to England, tired, emotional and blithering on about all they have seen and done.

“It should take people a little bit off the beaten track and to places they wouldn’t necessarily think of visiting.

“Last time, we visited Romania, Albania and Slovakia among many other countries – all were stunning in different ways.

“I’m hoping that this route will be even better.”

Last year involved 17 vehicles, all costing under £500.

They included a limousine, a Morris Minor, an ambulance and a Lotus, which all tackled the 23 countries on the trip.

Ages of participants ranged from five years to over 70.

Mr Blackmore added: “This year we have made some allowances.

“Vehicles can cost up to £1,500 or be over 20 years old, although many teams have stuck to the old £500 purchase limit.”

Each team will be expected to raise at least £200 for Julia’s House children’s hospice.

Mr Blackmore was inspired to set up the event after organising a successful bus trip to Ethiopia four years ago to raise money for CLIC Sargent.

Visit windy500.co.uk for more details.